Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of increases in freight traffic on the railway crossing in East Tilbury.

In agreeing any increases to rail freight, Network Rail works closely with operators and local authorities to ensure that any impacts to level crossings meet robust safety requirements.

With regard to road freight, local traffic authorities have powers under Sections 1 & 2 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, which allow for the restriction or prohibition of the use of HGVs on any road, for a wide range of safety and environmental reasons. These measures can be implemented by making Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) without reference to the Department for Transport.

The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 provide various signs for authorities to consider if they choose to do this, including signs informing motorists that certain roads are unsuitable for HGVs or if a weight limit is in place. The restrictions are then enforceable by the police.